Four-Day Family Friendly Kashmir Itinerary in August 2023

1. Day 1: Srinagar
   30 minutes (10.3 miles) from Srinagar International Airport

   Start your day with a visit to Shankaracharya Temple, located on top of a hill and offering stunning views of Srinagar. In the afternoon, head to Dal Lake and take a shikara ride to explore the floating market and admire the beautiful Mughal gardens. For dinner, try some local cuisine at Mughal Darbar and end your evening with a relaxing walk at Nigeen Lake.

2. Day 2: Gulmarg
   2 hours and 12 minutes (34.1 miles) from Srinagar

   Spend your morning in Gulmarg, also known as the "Meadow of Flowers." Take the gondola ride to Kongdoori Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, visit Khilanmarg and try skiing, sledging or snowboarding. For dinner, stop by Highlands Park Restaurant to enjoy the beautiful scenery and local cuisine.

3. Day 3: Pahalgam
   2 hours and 54 minutes (90.7 miles) from Gulmarg

   Start your day with a visit to Betaab Valley, where the Bollywood movie "Betaab" was filmed, and enjoy a picnic surrounded by beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, go rafting in Lidder River or explore the nearby Aru Valley. For dinner, try some local food at Dana Pani Restaurant and end your day with a relaxing walk in the pine forests.

4. Day 4: Sonamarg
   2 hours and 13 minutes (80.7 miles) from Pahalgam

   Spend your last day in Kashmir in Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." Take a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier and enjoy the beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, visit Gangabal Lake or Krishnasar Lake and enjoy a picnic. For dinner, try some local cuisine at Glacier View Restaurant and end your day with a relaxing walk in the meadows.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on visiting the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, which is believed to house a relic of Prophet Muhammad. Consider taking a side trip to the beautiful town of Kokernag, located 2 hours away from Pahalgam, and enjoy the beautiful Botanical Garden and trout fishing. Make sure to try some local bread called "Kandar Chot" and the traditional Kashmiri tea called "Kahwa."

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shankaracharya Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Dal Lake Shikara Ride (2-3 hours, INR 600-800)
• Gondola Ride in Gulmarg (2-3 hours, INR 700-1000)
• Khilanmarg Skiing/Sledging/Snowboarding (2-3 hours, INR 500-1000)
• Betaab Valley (2-3 hours, free)
• Rafting in Lidder River (2-3 hours, INR 500-1000)
• Pony Ride to Thajiwas Glacier (2-3 hours, INR 1000-1500)
• Gangabal Lake/Krishnasar Lake (2-3 hours, free)
• Food (INR 500-1000 per meal)